Friday, November 8, 2013

Possession (1981) is all kinds of crazy.

I had no idea what to expect when I watched this. The synopsis definitely doesn't prepare you for the madness that follows. Sam Neill is fantastic as always. I hadn't seen him in a role quite like this. Isabelle Adjani is extremely beautiful and mesmerizing. She has some truly insane and bizarre scenes too. The film has really stuck with me even though I'm not sure I like it (I think in a way though, you're not supposed to like it), but I would easily see it again. The story about the writer/director going through a divorce at the time explains a lot, because there's obviously an enormous amount of emotion behind it along with many mixed feelings that manifest themselves in the characters. It's almost utter chaos although the beginning is easy enough to understand, but then it pulls the rug out from under you and doesn't let up until the strange ending, which while it's weird, seems to make perfect sense on some level. It's very different, and if you haven't seen it, get ready to be shocked. The movie leaves a lot open to interpretation, which is what keeps it in your thoughts (that and the dark gruesome imagery). I love the practical effects, and I did not see them coming. I think it pretty much sums up divorce, and the hell or heaven (mostly hell here) of relationships.

2 comments:

  1. A tough film to like, but it's certainly one of a kind. Some great performances, cinematography and effects. Bonkers stuff, and one of my favorites.

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    1. Yeah, I can't get it out of my head. It's a crazy good film, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. Definitely one of the most original movies I've seen.

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